And I almost titled this one "Your Love Has Lifted Me Higher," because it was out that year. I was just tired of looking for a more appropriate title from the year in my mind.
In 1977, I turned ten. My world was pretty small. I was born in Nashville but I lived just north of the county line in Ridgetop. I thought Nashville was a pretty important place, like Chicago or New York. I had no idea that there were bigger places in the world, though I had heard of far-away cities like New York and Atlanta. I had been to the ocean in North Carolina, which made me a little different from my classmates who went to PCB every couple of years.
Two girls moved in up the road from my grandparents' house in the mid '70s. They were from Seattle, which was way, way up in the return address corner of the United States. Looking at it on the globe, it looked like it would be much colder, and I learned that sometimes it was, but they had a lot of weather similar to ours in Tennessee with sunshine and rain. Humidity was something else. It's still something else, let me tell you.
Looking back, I never began to comprehend what it must have been like to be a newcomer in a town like Ridgetop. Having moved out of town a few times since then, I feel a little sorry about that. Everybody in Ridgetop must have seemed to be related. They moved to a house on a hill, a house built by my grandmother's family when she was a little girl and their old house on that same location burned. From the front yard one could see eight houses. I had relatives in two of those houses, my grandmother and her cousin Jerry. Another neighbor was my aunt's sister-in-law. She grew up there too.
That summer the neighbor girls' dad was transferred and they returned to Seattle. Elvis died, Star Wars premiered, and other things happened that stamped the year in my memory. One happened to my brother. Mom took him to day care, where he refused to drink the milk. They thought he was just "faking" when he said he was allergic. He obeyed. He vomited. Mom found another babysitter quick, cousin Jerry's wife Wanda. Mom hadn't considered really thought of her earlier because she seemed to keep a lot of kids and had her hands full. To my knowledge though, she never lost any! At first I stayed by myself at my grandmother's house that summer, but there was some family trouble going on (other unforgettable events I don't want to write about tonight, and a few I didn't really understand) so I started going to Wanda's too. I think she saw me as another big kid who could help with the little ones, like her younger brother and nephews who dropped in frequently.
Jerry was one of my favorite relatives. He was one of those people who always had a smile. Even in sad moments, he could muster up a grin. He was funny and kind. When I was a very little girl, long before 1977, I remember thinking he was cute. Back then we called him "Jerry Lee." I noticed a lot of my relatives calling him that today; I even found myself saying it. When he was born he had a hole in his heart, and some of my earliest memories of him involved him being in the hospital in serious condition, having had a heart attack or something at a very early age (like 24 maybe?). I remember being told his heart had stopped but he was brought back to life. I knew what that meant. It was very scary and I remember being very afraid that he would die.
I wish I could've seen him recently. Most of the times I've seen him over the past 20 years were when he was working on cars out in the yard and the garage, and I was driving by on my way to Mom's and Granddaddy's. I think I saw him at Mom's funeral; I know I saw him at Granddaddy's and talked to him for quite a while.
Today I went to his funeral. I sure hated to see him go. I pray for Wanda and his kids and grandkids. Ridgetop is a sadder place without him for sure.
Showing posts with label Elvis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Elvis. Show all posts
Sunday, December 03, 2017
Friday, July 08, 2011
The long and winding road
that leads to McMinnville...that's where Randy and I went today. We had a blast. I really enjoyed hanging out with him today and I think he enjoyed being with me too. He played a bunch of Elvis on his iPod. We went to get airbags for Rachel's CRV. We ate at a little place called Wilma Jean's Kitchen. YUM. It was awesome! Fried fish, potato bites, and some of the best white beans ever. Oh, yes, and cornbread. We topped that off with pie. I had chess pie like my granny used to make and Randy had chocolate cream pie. We shared our desserts, but I preferred the chess.
I know, I don't need all that fattening, sweet stuff, but I sure enjoyed it. Generally when we eat like that we don't do supper, maybe sandwiches or something. I haven't even been hungry and it's 9 pm.
After all that driving, though, it was good to get home. Took us about all day!!!
Friday, August 31, 2007
I faced it all, & I stood tall, & did it my way.
I found these lyrics to be a fitting end to this month. It's been a month of highs and lows & busys and slows. It's a beginning and an end. The driest August on record in this state, it was also the hottest my grandparents, residents of Tennessee since the 1920's, can remember. (And for their age, they both remember pretty well!!!)
Regrets, I've had a few
But then again, too few to mention
I did what I had to do
And saw it through without exemption
I planned each charted course
Each careful step along the byway
Oh, and more, much more than this
I did it my way
Yes, there were times, I'm sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew
But through it all when there was doubt
I ate it up and spit it out
I faced it all and I stood tall
And did it my way
(words & music by P. Anka, J. Revaux, G. Thibault, C. Francois)
I faced it all, & I stood tall (as tall as I can - I'm short!), & did it my way, most of the time. And despite all that, I can't take all the credit for what this month held for me. I think God had some pretty big blessings for me this month. Though I still don't know for sure exactly what He has planned for us, or why He hasn't given us a lot of rain in the form of water, He has rained blessings on me that I can't begin to measure.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
And now, the end is near...
The end of "Elvis month," that is. Though I am not an Elvis fanatic, it has been kind of fun to find different Elvis lyrics for my blog post titles. And though I am not an Elvis fanatic, I do enjoy that month of the year when it's easy to find his movies & concerts on TV. I wouldn't enjoy them as much if I watched them constantly.
In addition to the end of Elvis month, I am nearing the end of a chapter in my career. I have officially started at Vanderbilt, & on my days off, I'm going to my old job in Clarksville to help them out & train my replacement (or replacements - not sure how that's going to pan out). I do miss my former co-workers, but...I will be glad when I don't have to work 50 hours a week anymore. Last week, my last full week at the office, I worked 45 hours. This week, I'm already exhausted. I do get Labor Day off. That will be nice - a 3 day weekend.
The new job is a lot to learn, & very busy compared to my old one. My old job could be a lot of work, but there wasn't as much going on at once. It sort of evens out - at my old job, I was the only tech & had 4 to 5 patients a day. All scans are on a single-head camera & I do it all - starting IV's, scanning, prepping & stressing, scanning again, & processing. At the new one, I'm one of 4 techs who have 16 to 20 patients a day. There are three dual-head cameras & nurses help start IV's & prep & stress patients.
One really good thing about it is that they're very understanding about the learning process. They don't expect me to walk in ready to do everything. It's much more gradual. They want me to master the paperwork & injection process before moving on. I don't know that I've got it all down pat but I'm moving along quickly, in my opinion. It may take me forever to get it all down. But, it could be a lot worse. Everything is coming together. Now if I can just get the money together.
The kids have adjusted well to the change. They're riding the bus in the mornings, but the afternoons are still much the same. I was always gone 4 days a week, sometimes late in the evenings, & usually Randy got home before me. I get home about 30 minutes to an hour later than usual. We've got something going on 4 nights a week most of the time. I can't say it's changed our lives a whole lot - it's just a little more complicated, but not a lot. I think Randy's willing to help, for the trade-off of getting out of some of our debts. That part of the equation still seems a long way off. For some reason, the money hasn't caught up with the budget yet. Hopefully, in a couple of weeks, it will, & then the sacrifices will seem more worthwhile.
Well, it's time for me to leave to go to the "old" job. Later!
In addition to the end of Elvis month, I am nearing the end of a chapter in my career. I have officially started at Vanderbilt, & on my days off, I'm going to my old job in Clarksville to help them out & train my replacement (or replacements - not sure how that's going to pan out). I do miss my former co-workers, but...I will be glad when I don't have to work 50 hours a week anymore. Last week, my last full week at the office, I worked 45 hours. This week, I'm already exhausted. I do get Labor Day off. That will be nice - a 3 day weekend.
The new job is a lot to learn, & very busy compared to my old one. My old job could be a lot of work, but there wasn't as much going on at once. It sort of evens out - at my old job, I was the only tech & had 4 to 5 patients a day. All scans are on a single-head camera & I do it all - starting IV's, scanning, prepping & stressing, scanning again, & processing. At the new one, I'm one of 4 techs who have 16 to 20 patients a day. There are three dual-head cameras & nurses help start IV's & prep & stress patients.
One really good thing about it is that they're very understanding about the learning process. They don't expect me to walk in ready to do everything. It's much more gradual. They want me to master the paperwork & injection process before moving on. I don't know that I've got it all down pat but I'm moving along quickly, in my opinion. It may take me forever to get it all down. But, it could be a lot worse. Everything is coming together. Now if I can just get the money together.
The kids have adjusted well to the change. They're riding the bus in the mornings, but the afternoons are still much the same. I was always gone 4 days a week, sometimes late in the evenings, & usually Randy got home before me. I get home about 30 minutes to an hour later than usual. We've got something going on 4 nights a week most of the time. I can't say it's changed our lives a whole lot - it's just a little more complicated, but not a lot. I think Randy's willing to help, for the trade-off of getting out of some of our debts. That part of the equation still seems a long way off. For some reason, the money hasn't caught up with the budget yet. Hopefully, in a couple of weeks, it will, & then the sacrifices will seem more worthwhile.
Well, it's time for me to leave to go to the "old" job. Later!
Friday, August 17, 2007
Thank you. Thank you very much.
This is what I find myself telling God! Thank You very much!!!
Well, I have had a great last few days. As I wrote in the last post, I got the job I've been hoping for. I have been praying for someone to come along quickly to fill the position I'm leaving, & they are standing in line to interview.
I think it's a win-win situation. Though I've had some trying times in the last few weeks there, overall, it has not been a bad job & I have enjoyed it very much. It may be perfect for someone else. The big problem for me was that I really needed more money to pay off some debts. I couldn't ask for it because when I was hired at that job, they only promised me so much & they have far exceeded that. My lingering money problems were my own fault.
It has occurred to me that maybe God allowed me to experience those issues at work over the last 8 weeks because He really wanted me at Vanderbilt. Maybe this job is His way to help me help myself. And, perhaps He wants someone else at the office too. I think someone new there could be a blessing to them. They may not see it that way, but I have ever since I first considered making the move.
It is a major, major life change for us. Today was "trial run" day. I went in & worked all day, & I learned a lot. I think I'm going to like it. The whole 10 hour day, from leaving the house to coming home, took me nearly 13 hours. Of course, I left an hour before I needed to get there & that was just enough time to get there & make my way over to the office. I didn't walk all the way to the office from where I parked. I walked about 5 minutes & one of my former co-workers picked me up! Then I walked from her parking garage at the VA to the office, which took all of 3 minutes. After work I walked back to the car, in the over 100 degree heat, & that took longer...partly because I got mixed up & ended up at the football practice field! I could've gone a different way, but I walked part of the way with one of my co-workers. Next time, I'll go the other way because it's shorter & more of it's indoors.
I think I'm going back to having Wednesdays off once we get the new person at the old job. I did tell them I'd help them on my days off from Vandy until the new person's trained & ready to go without me. After that, though, it'll be 4 10-hour days, & it looks like most weeks my day off will be Wednesday. I liked that. It took me awhile to get used to working 4 days in a row when Friday became my day off. I think with 4 10's, it will be a lot easier to have 2 on, 1 off, 2 on, 2 off. 4 10 hour days in a row would be ROUGH. Especially with a 35 minute drive & 30 minute walk twice a day. Yes, I think Wednesdays off will be nice. I think a lot of things will be nice.
I do wish it would rain. Not for me - other than the long-term effects this drought will have on prices, rain doesn't matter much to me - but for all the farmers whose livelihoods depend on it.
Well, I have had a great last few days. As I wrote in the last post, I got the job I've been hoping for. I have been praying for someone to come along quickly to fill the position I'm leaving, & they are standing in line to interview.
I think it's a win-win situation. Though I've had some trying times in the last few weeks there, overall, it has not been a bad job & I have enjoyed it very much. It may be perfect for someone else. The big problem for me was that I really needed more money to pay off some debts. I couldn't ask for it because when I was hired at that job, they only promised me so much & they have far exceeded that. My lingering money problems were my own fault.
It has occurred to me that maybe God allowed me to experience those issues at work over the last 8 weeks because He really wanted me at Vanderbilt. Maybe this job is His way to help me help myself. And, perhaps He wants someone else at the office too. I think someone new there could be a blessing to them. They may not see it that way, but I have ever since I first considered making the move.
It is a major, major life change for us. Today was "trial run" day. I went in & worked all day, & I learned a lot. I think I'm going to like it. The whole 10 hour day, from leaving the house to coming home, took me nearly 13 hours. Of course, I left an hour before I needed to get there & that was just enough time to get there & make my way over to the office. I didn't walk all the way to the office from where I parked. I walked about 5 minutes & one of my former co-workers picked me up! Then I walked from her parking garage at the VA to the office, which took all of 3 minutes. After work I walked back to the car, in the over 100 degree heat, & that took longer...partly because I got mixed up & ended up at the football practice field! I could've gone a different way, but I walked part of the way with one of my co-workers. Next time, I'll go the other way because it's shorter & more of it's indoors.
I think I'm going back to having Wednesdays off once we get the new person at the old job. I did tell them I'd help them on my days off from Vandy until the new person's trained & ready to go without me. After that, though, it'll be 4 10-hour days, & it looks like most weeks my day off will be Wednesday. I liked that. It took me awhile to get used to working 4 days in a row when Friday became my day off. I think with 4 10's, it will be a lot easier to have 2 on, 1 off, 2 on, 2 off. 4 10 hour days in a row would be ROUGH. Especially with a 35 minute drive & 30 minute walk twice a day. Yes, I think Wednesdays off will be nice. I think a lot of things will be nice.
I do wish it would rain. Not for me - other than the long-term effects this drought will have on prices, rain doesn't matter much to me - but for all the farmers whose livelihoods depend on it.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Then sings my soul. . .
Did you know that Elvis' gospel albums were his biggest sellers? Well, of course you did, because you have seen the infomercial!
God would still be great, even if He hadn't provided me with "Job X." That's right, I got it! Now that it is no longer a secret, I will give more details. It is a position doing what I do now, but at Vanderbilt University. I will be one of four technologists, doing many more cases a day, but with more people & more equipment. I am excited. And thankful!
I had actually begun to make peace with the idea that I wouldn't get the job. But, I definitely see God's hand in this. I believed He would provide us with enough to give good gifts at Christmas. I believed He would provide us with enough to enjoy a trip to Washington, DC next summer. I believed He would help me lose weight.
I will have almost a mile walk from the parking lot to the office. They DO have shuttles, but as I recall from my days as a student, when we parked over there, it's often quicker to walk. So that's what I'm going to do, unless it's storming or raining hard. I am terrified of lightning & don't want to be drenched.
It is going to be a BIG change. I look at it as a good thing, though. I enjoy that drive, believe it or not. Also, it will make the off hours a little easier to enjoy because we won't be quite as stressed trying to stay afloat.
Actually, I should say God is making it easier to enjoy our off hours!
Well, the busy life has begun. Since I am leaving before my replacement comes, I have to do as many studies as I can between now & then. It promises to be busy. But it will be worth it in the end.
God would still be great, even if He hadn't provided me with "Job X." That's right, I got it! Now that it is no longer a secret, I will give more details. It is a position doing what I do now, but at Vanderbilt University. I will be one of four technologists, doing many more cases a day, but with more people & more equipment. I am excited. And thankful!
I had actually begun to make peace with the idea that I wouldn't get the job. But, I definitely see God's hand in this. I believed He would provide us with enough to give good gifts at Christmas. I believed He would provide us with enough to enjoy a trip to Washington, DC next summer. I believed He would help me lose weight.
I will have almost a mile walk from the parking lot to the office. They DO have shuttles, but as I recall from my days as a student, when we parked over there, it's often quicker to walk. So that's what I'm going to do, unless it's storming or raining hard. I am terrified of lightning & don't want to be drenched.
It is going to be a BIG change. I look at it as a good thing, though. I enjoy that drive, believe it or not. Also, it will make the off hours a little easier to enjoy because we won't be quite as stressed trying to stay afloat.
Actually, I should say God is making it easier to enjoy our off hours!
Well, the busy life has begun. Since I am leaving before my replacement comes, I have to do as many studies as I can between now & then. It promises to be busy. But it will be worth it in the end.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
there will be peace in the valley for me someday
I feel more peace here since I realized that I haven't been trusting God very much. I know. You probably already knew that. But sometimes it takes awhile for us to see ourselves. I know God knows what I need. His way is best. So we will see how this all plays out.
I saw on of the Gaither Homecoming bluegrass shows today. During the commercials you see the Isaacs doing "He Ain't Never Done Me Nothing But Good." When I sing this in church soon, the teachers in the congregation will cringe, hearing grammar getting so butchered. Hopefully, they & everyone else will hear the message. It is a great song. I plan to go hear them in Cunningham, TN this coming Thursday night, August 16.
No, I'm not going to Memphis! I wouldn't fight that crowd for love nor money. Well, I might for money. No, seriously I have no desire to go to Graceland for that scene. It's one thing to title all my posts with Elvis songs. It's another altogether to go light candles & whatnot.
I also have some other lyrics in my head. The M&M's commercial:
and the Natasha Bedingfield song "Unwritten,"
I heard that song about a half a million times last fall, but the other day, it really began to take on a new meaning for me. The rest is still unwritten. Or maybe it's written...we just can't read it yet. Either way, it's an adventure I am looking forward to experiencing.
I saw on of the Gaither Homecoming bluegrass shows today. During the commercials you see the Isaacs doing "He Ain't Never Done Me Nothing But Good." When I sing this in church soon, the teachers in the congregation will cringe, hearing grammar getting so butchered. Hopefully, they & everyone else will hear the message. It is a great song. I plan to go hear them in Cunningham, TN this coming Thursday night, August 16.
No, I'm not going to Memphis! I wouldn't fight that crowd for love nor money. Well, I might for money. No, seriously I have no desire to go to Graceland for that scene. It's one thing to title all my posts with Elvis songs. It's another altogether to go light candles & whatnot.
I also have some other lyrics in my head. The M&M's commercial:
This is the day
Your life will surely change
This is the day
When things fall into place
This is the day
and the Natasha Bedingfield song "Unwritten,"
Staring at the blank page before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find
Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions
Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten
I heard that song about a half a million times last fall, but the other day, it really began to take on a new meaning for me. The rest is still unwritten. Or maybe it's written...we just can't read it yet. Either way, it's an adventure I am looking forward to experiencing.
Friday, August 03, 2007
From rags to riches
It's another Elvis song, but I don't think it applies to my life yet. Or does it?
So far this morning, it‘s quiet here. Rachel's not driving yet - we go next week to retake the test. Oh well. Derek spent the night with his cousin at his Me-Maw's house.
I talked with someone at Job X on Wednesday. I learned that while I am not OUT of the running yet, I am not IN the job for certain either. They have interviewed 3 soon-to-be-graduates of the nuc med program there. I figure I have a 25% chance, & it all boils down to experience vs. cheaper, fresh-out-of-school help. I should know within a week, probably. Maybe even today.
We’re so tight financially that not getting the job would be a blow. I’m past the self-pity about that, & though I’m still angry with myself for it, I know that‘s not productive. I still struggle with God’s will on this. I would think God would want me to have this better opportunity for my family and me. If He doesn't, I know He still loves me. I know His way is best, even if I can’t see it. But I won’t lie. It is still hard to accept.
My thinking is: these graduating techs are probably young, they can go anywhere there are openings. I am established here in Tennessee - my family's here, I'm married to someone with a job & family here - & I can't just uproot & go to Iowa or Vermont or wherever the demand for nuc med techs is high. So why can't I get "Job X" & let those new grads get those other jobs that might even pay more than this one?
That's not for me to decide. All I can do is wait upon the Lord & renew my strength. If I have to stay in my current job, that’s what I have to do. Some things about it still make me angry, though there are good things about it too.
Totally changing directions here…
Yesterday we also went to the library. I checked out several books. One: "All the King's Men" by Robert Penn Warren. I have mentioned him before - he grew up just 20 or so miles up the road in Guthrie. It‘s inspiring to think a “real writer“ could come from this area - maybe there‘s hope for me yet. I also got books by two of my favorite authors: Jan Karon's "A Mitford Bedside Companion," sort of the cream of the Mitford crop along with her personal notes about how the characters developed, etc., & a collection of Laura Ingalls Wilder's early writings, "Little House in the Ozarks."
Oh! How I needed those inspiring words. In Jan Karon's book, I read this passage from Jeremiah 29 out of the New Living Translation:
Three weeks ago, on my day off, I sat on the riverbank in Clarksville & considered all the craziness going on in my job. That was the day I decided to apply for Job X, among others, but before that, I decided it's time to start writing down the stories in my head.
I have a cast of thousands, I think. I created some of these characters in the 1970's, & have added more over the years along with more stories as my life has changed. When Rachel was a baby, & I worked 40 hours a week, I thought I’d never have time to write. I also thought I was a long way from old age, so I’d have plenty of time to write later. During my part-time years, I wanted to get published, so it would be "worth the effort" financially. I figured once I got established as a writer, I could start fiction writing. But I never made a lot of money at it (though I have been published), so I focused on getting more "real work" as a nuc med tech.
Now anyone who can blog can be a writer. Now, too, my kids are independent enough that they don't need me to entertain or take care of them every waking hour. But maybe most critical, I am getting no younger. In a family where cancer starts in the 40's & some die in their 50's & 60's & still some make it in fair health to 85, there's no guarantee. I might die tomorrow, & I might live to be 100, but one thing is certain: when I die, if I haven't recorded my stories, I will have spent decades with these people whom no one else will ever know. Seems like a waste of brain space, to me.
Laura Ingalls Wilder was, best I can tell by the dates on these published articles, about 44 when she started writing for periodicals. She did some writing before that, but I don't know how much of it got published. She began the "Little House" series at the age of 65. Those books are classics now, read by schoolchildren & adults alike for close to 75 years. Wonder what she would think if she knew there had been a long-running TV show based on her life & books?
Her magazine writings were inspirational & informative. She discussed raising chickens & the profitability of running a small farm. I needed the reminders that "thinking makes it so." I needed to read about the joy of a job well-done & being thankful for simple pleasures. When I think about what I really want from life, that's it. My grandparents seemed happy when
I was a kid. They worked, but enjoyed the relationships they had with their co-workers. After work they came home to the garden & ate the fruits (& vegetables!) of their labor. They made plenty of time to spend with their friends & family. We had huge holiday celebrations. I mean, there’d be a hundred people in that little house. (All smoking! I don’t miss that!)
Granny died at 62 - awfully young, but her brother reminded me at the funeral home that she wasn't expected to survive to adulthood because she had a stroke at the age of 6. Maybe because she was "on borrowed time," she lived her life to the fullest. We could all do well to learn from her example. She didn’t feel bad about herself because she lived in a two-bedroom, 1.5 bath house. She was thankful to have indoor plumbing, because she’d lived without it & her
neighbor still didn’t have it. Her house was a home. And though she’s been gone almost 15 years, it’s still the home she made.
I want to enjoy the moments like this one. Though it is hot, hot, hot & dry outside, it is cool
in here where the A/C's running & the curtains are pulled to keep the bright afternoon & evening sun from heating up the living room. I'm doing something I love - reading & writing. Later I'll have to do some driving (to the funeral home in Springfield - a neighbor & lady from church passed after a long illness - & to the middle school for parent night), but for now I'm
hanging out in my comfy clothes. There IS a lot to be thankful for.
Maybe, just maybe, in the rags, we find the riches.
So far this morning, it‘s quiet here. Rachel's not driving yet - we go next week to retake the test. Oh well. Derek spent the night with his cousin at his Me-Maw's house.
I talked with someone at Job X on Wednesday. I learned that while I am not OUT of the running yet, I am not IN the job for certain either. They have interviewed 3 soon-to-be-graduates of the nuc med program there. I figure I have a 25% chance, & it all boils down to experience vs. cheaper, fresh-out-of-school help. I should know within a week, probably. Maybe even today.
We’re so tight financially that not getting the job would be a blow. I’m past the self-pity about that, & though I’m still angry with myself for it, I know that‘s not productive. I still struggle with God’s will on this. I would think God would want me to have this better opportunity for my family and me. If He doesn't, I know He still loves me. I know His way is best, even if I can’t see it. But I won’t lie. It is still hard to accept.
My thinking is: these graduating techs are probably young, they can go anywhere there are openings. I am established here in Tennessee - my family's here, I'm married to someone with a job & family here - & I can't just uproot & go to Iowa or Vermont or wherever the demand for nuc med techs is high. So why can't I get "Job X" & let those new grads get those other jobs that might even pay more than this one?
That's not for me to decide. All I can do is wait upon the Lord & renew my strength. If I have to stay in my current job, that’s what I have to do. Some things about it still make me angry, though there are good things about it too.
Totally changing directions here…
Yesterday we also went to the library. I checked out several books. One: "All the King's Men" by Robert Penn Warren. I have mentioned him before - he grew up just 20 or so miles up the road in Guthrie. It‘s inspiring to think a “real writer“ could come from this area - maybe there‘s hope for me yet. I also got books by two of my favorite authors: Jan Karon's "A Mitford Bedside Companion," sort of the cream of the Mitford crop along with her personal notes about how the characters developed, etc., & a collection of Laura Ingalls Wilder's early writings, "Little House in the Ozarks."
Oh! How I needed those inspiring words. In Jan Karon's book, I read this passage from Jeremiah 29 out of the New Living Translation:
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good
and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you
pray, I will listen. If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you
seek me."
Three weeks ago, on my day off, I sat on the riverbank in Clarksville & considered all the craziness going on in my job. That was the day I decided to apply for Job X, among others, but before that, I decided it's time to start writing down the stories in my head.
I have a cast of thousands, I think. I created some of these characters in the 1970's, & have added more over the years along with more stories as my life has changed. When Rachel was a baby, & I worked 40 hours a week, I thought I’d never have time to write. I also thought I was a long way from old age, so I’d have plenty of time to write later. During my part-time years, I wanted to get published, so it would be "worth the effort" financially. I figured once I got established as a writer, I could start fiction writing. But I never made a lot of money at it (though I have been published), so I focused on getting more "real work" as a nuc med tech.
Now anyone who can blog can be a writer. Now, too, my kids are independent enough that they don't need me to entertain or take care of them every waking hour. But maybe most critical, I am getting no younger. In a family where cancer starts in the 40's & some die in their 50's & 60's & still some make it in fair health to 85, there's no guarantee. I might die tomorrow, & I might live to be 100, but one thing is certain: when I die, if I haven't recorded my stories, I will have spent decades with these people whom no one else will ever know. Seems like a waste of brain space, to me.
Laura Ingalls Wilder was, best I can tell by the dates on these published articles, about 44 when she started writing for periodicals. She did some writing before that, but I don't know how much of it got published. She began the "Little House" series at the age of 65. Those books are classics now, read by schoolchildren & adults alike for close to 75 years. Wonder what she would think if she knew there had been a long-running TV show based on her life & books?
Her magazine writings were inspirational & informative. She discussed raising chickens & the profitability of running a small farm. I needed the reminders that "thinking makes it so." I needed to read about the joy of a job well-done & being thankful for simple pleasures. When I think about what I really want from life, that's it. My grandparents seemed happy when
I was a kid. They worked, but enjoyed the relationships they had with their co-workers. After work they came home to the garden & ate the fruits (& vegetables!) of their labor. They made plenty of time to spend with their friends & family. We had huge holiday celebrations. I mean, there’d be a hundred people in that little house. (All smoking! I don’t miss that!)
Granny died at 62 - awfully young, but her brother reminded me at the funeral home that she wasn't expected to survive to adulthood because she had a stroke at the age of 6. Maybe because she was "on borrowed time," she lived her life to the fullest. We could all do well to learn from her example. She didn’t feel bad about herself because she lived in a two-bedroom, 1.5 bath house. She was thankful to have indoor plumbing, because she’d lived without it & her
neighbor still didn’t have it. Her house was a home. And though she’s been gone almost 15 years, it’s still the home she made.
I want to enjoy the moments like this one. Though it is hot, hot, hot & dry outside, it is cool
in here where the A/C's running & the curtains are pulled to keep the bright afternoon & evening sun from heating up the living room. I'm doing something I love - reading & writing. Later I'll have to do some driving (to the funeral home in Springfield - a neighbor & lady from church passed after a long illness - & to the middle school for parent night), but for now I'm
hanging out in my comfy clothes. There IS a lot to be thankful for.
Maybe, just maybe, in the rags, we find the riches.
Friday, February 16, 2007
I'm just a hunka, hunka burnin' love. AAAAHHHH!!!!
Oh, please don't think you're going to read lusty porn on this blog entry. I've just been into Elvis lately, & I couldn't resist. You may have noticed that usually name my blog entries with song lyrics, and I use all genres. Like I said, I've been into Elvis a lot lately. Is it just me, or is there something about him on TV every day?
Now Elvis is like Dale Earnhardt - you either love him or you hate him. But not unlike fans of the Intimidator, fans of Elvis recognize his shortcomings.
I know. Some Ironhead fans are out there saying, "What shortcomings?" You know what I mean. Bear with me.
Randy & I discovered very early on in our relationship that Elvis made a big impression on us growing up, and that even though we can laugh at some of the silly things you hear about him eating peanut butter & banana sandwiches, his drug use & love of karate, etc., we also can appreciate the contribution he made to music and our culture. And to our lives as well.
Randy is thirty-seven days older than me. Six days before I was born, Elvis married Priscilla. (Yes, I know how old that makes me. Believe me, I know.) When we were little, he was everywhere then too. One of the local TV stations, WLAC (now WTVF) aired movies every day at 3:30 on "The Big Show." They had John Wayne Week, Monster Week, and best of all Elvis Week. I guess that's where I saw all of the Elvis movies, though I really only remember "Blue Hawaii," "Speedway," and "Frankie and Johnny."
I know. Someone is reading this thinking, "OF COURSE she remembers "Speedway."" OF COURSE! Fast cars, good looking singing driver...what's not to like??? And yes, DAYTONA is this weekend!!! Here's a link to Larry Woody's latest story about MY FAVORITE DRIVER Sterling Marlin.
For anyone who has any interest at all in more about WLAC, check out this old picture. The link says it was taken in 1970, which looks about right judging by my memory (I was 3 at the time). The man on the left is John Lashlee, the sports guy, and second from left is Bob Lobertini (and I guarantee you anyone who lived in Nashville between 1965 and 1975 will remember him) who did the weather. The guy on the far right, Chris Clark, STILL works at Channel 5. I have no idea how old he is - probably a lot older than he looks. And I understand that Huell Howser is nationally famous now. Like Pat Sajak, Oprah Winfrey, & John Tesh, he was a Nashville TV personality first. You can see a photo of Pat & John back in the day, as well as Huell, here. And the guy next to John Tesh is still at WSMV. He left for awhile, but he's been back for a long time.
Enough of Nashville trivia. Back to Elvis. When I was four I remember seeing Elvis in concert on TV & going totally crazy screaming & dancing in the living room. My mom liked him but I don't think she was that nuts about him. I remember thinking then that he was the best looking man on earth. And now, Rachel says, "He was a beautiful man." This was in the very early 70's when Elvis was in his late 30's and not overweight and (not as) drugged up as he was at the end. I used to spend Friday nights at my aunt's house, & I would hug the pillow & pretend it was Elvis (of course, my fantasies were pretty innocent - I'd imagine him kissing my cheek from the stage, or better yet, throwing me his cape). She didn't sleep with a pillow (must've come from sharing a bed with all those brothers & sisters she had) so she would put hers on my bed. On the night Elvis died, when I was 10, I was staying at her house. I remembered the reason the pillow was there. I laid the pillow at the end of the bed, and she never put it there for me to sleep with again. Not a word was said about this, ever. Of course, I probably hadn't pretended the pillow was Elvis since I was four.
Randy recorded "This is Elvis" a few weeks ago & I guess I've watched it 10 times. Maybe it is morbid, but I like to watch the funeral procession, with "American Trilogy" playing behind. All those white cars, Cadillacs & Fords...all the people lined up on the street...even though we've had 20 degree days lately, I can still feel the thick, hot August air when I watch that footage. Then they show the mausoleum, and it kind of reminds me of those summer afternoons when I'd go inside & watch "Emergency!" & I wonder how much impact that show had on my choice of career. Then they show him on the stage at around the time I was dreaming about him, and I can surely see why I thought he was amazing - because he was.
Did I think the life of a Cheatham County Rock Star's Wife would be like living in Graceland? Maybe a little. We had a friend in college who used to ask me if I'd want to be married to a rock star (I guess he saw great potential in Randy) & I thought, yeah, furs, rings, that'd be cool. Now get this. Our friend bore a slight resemblance to Elvis. He was adopted, and was born in Memphis. His mom used to tell him, "You know, you kind of look like Elvis..." I have to admit, I've always wondered, because the resemblance is real. He's only 3 months younger than Lisa Marie...but hey, that didn't stop Elvis, from what I've heard. I could do without that part of being married to a rock star. And Randy doesn't give me any reason to doubt him. Wait, that's another line from an Elvis song. See what I mean? He's everywhere.
Thank you. Thank you very much.
Now Elvis is like Dale Earnhardt - you either love him or you hate him. But not unlike fans of the Intimidator, fans of Elvis recognize his shortcomings.
I know. Some Ironhead fans are out there saying, "What shortcomings?" You know what I mean. Bear with me.
Randy & I discovered very early on in our relationship that Elvis made a big impression on us growing up, and that even though we can laugh at some of the silly things you hear about him eating peanut butter & banana sandwiches, his drug use & love of karate, etc., we also can appreciate the contribution he made to music and our culture. And to our lives as well.
Randy is thirty-seven days older than me. Six days before I was born, Elvis married Priscilla. (Yes, I know how old that makes me. Believe me, I know.) When we were little, he was everywhere then too. One of the local TV stations, WLAC (now WTVF) aired movies every day at 3:30 on "The Big Show." They had John Wayne Week, Monster Week, and best of all Elvis Week. I guess that's where I saw all of the Elvis movies, though I really only remember "Blue Hawaii," "Speedway," and "Frankie and Johnny."
I know. Someone is reading this thinking, "OF COURSE she remembers "Speedway."" OF COURSE! Fast cars, good looking singing driver...what's not to like??? And yes, DAYTONA is this weekend!!! Here's a link to Larry Woody's latest story about MY FAVORITE DRIVER Sterling Marlin.
For anyone who has any interest at all in more about WLAC, check out this old picture. The link says it was taken in 1970, which looks about right judging by my memory (I was 3 at the time). The man on the left is John Lashlee, the sports guy, and second from left is Bob Lobertini (and I guarantee you anyone who lived in Nashville between 1965 and 1975 will remember him) who did the weather. The guy on the far right, Chris Clark, STILL works at Channel 5. I have no idea how old he is - probably a lot older than he looks. And I understand that Huell Howser is nationally famous now. Like Pat Sajak, Oprah Winfrey, & John Tesh, he was a Nashville TV personality first. You can see a photo of Pat & John back in the day, as well as Huell, here. And the guy next to John Tesh is still at WSMV. He left for awhile, but he's been back for a long time.
Enough of Nashville trivia. Back to Elvis. When I was four I remember seeing Elvis in concert on TV & going totally crazy screaming & dancing in the living room. My mom liked him but I don't think she was that nuts about him. I remember thinking then that he was the best looking man on earth. And now, Rachel says, "He was a beautiful man." This was in the very early 70's when Elvis was in his late 30's and not overweight and (not as) drugged up as he was at the end. I used to spend Friday nights at my aunt's house, & I would hug the pillow & pretend it was Elvis (of course, my fantasies were pretty innocent - I'd imagine him kissing my cheek from the stage, or better yet, throwing me his cape). She didn't sleep with a pillow (must've come from sharing a bed with all those brothers & sisters she had) so she would put hers on my bed. On the night Elvis died, when I was 10, I was staying at her house. I remembered the reason the pillow was there. I laid the pillow at the end of the bed, and she never put it there for me to sleep with again. Not a word was said about this, ever. Of course, I probably hadn't pretended the pillow was Elvis since I was four.
Randy recorded "This is Elvis" a few weeks ago & I guess I've watched it 10 times. Maybe it is morbid, but I like to watch the funeral procession, with "American Trilogy" playing behind. All those white cars, Cadillacs & Fords...all the people lined up on the street...even though we've had 20 degree days lately, I can still feel the thick, hot August air when I watch that footage. Then they show the mausoleum, and it kind of reminds me of those summer afternoons when I'd go inside & watch "Emergency!" & I wonder how much impact that show had on my choice of career. Then they show him on the stage at around the time I was dreaming about him, and I can surely see why I thought he was amazing - because he was.
Did I think the life of a Cheatham County Rock Star's Wife would be like living in Graceland? Maybe a little. We had a friend in college who used to ask me if I'd want to be married to a rock star (I guess he saw great potential in Randy) & I thought, yeah, furs, rings, that'd be cool. Now get this. Our friend bore a slight resemblance to Elvis. He was adopted, and was born in Memphis. His mom used to tell him, "You know, you kind of look like Elvis..." I have to admit, I've always wondered, because the resemblance is real. He's only 3 months younger than Lisa Marie...but hey, that didn't stop Elvis, from what I've heard. I could do without that part of being married to a rock star. And Randy doesn't give me any reason to doubt him. Wait, that's another line from an Elvis song. See what I mean? He's everywhere.
Thank you. Thank you very much.
Monday, January 08, 2007
Why do you want to be so weird???
The boy asked me this earlier today. He doesn't understand the pursuit of the perfect loaf of freshly-ground wheat bread, the idea that milk & cheese might be healthier for you if they're unpasteurized, and growing food. He's happy to eat the beef we got from the farm down the road, & doesn't mind the chicken I get from an organic farm, but he doesn't understand. He thinks I should spend my money on a new HDTV instead of organic chicken and whole wheat to grind into flour for homemade bread. I explain that I have to buy groceries anyway, so why not eat it the way God intended? He thinks it makes me weird. Maybe it does. Is that such a bad thing?
I said I wanted to be part of the solution. I meant learning how to stop the epidemic of diabetes. He & Rachel thought it sounded pretentious. I guess it did. I told them that I just want to learn more about diabetes & how to control it so I can share that information with others. The boy thinks I'm off the deep end. This from the child who thinks ice cream with chocolate syrup is a fine snack. Or meal. I told him he's lucky I still let him eat ice cream & watch our old-fashioned TV.
Earlier in the day, as I prayed for guidance I realized that while I talk a good talk, I am not eating what I need. I ate grilled chicken and green peas for lunch - and peach cobbler. Yesterday I ate chili & a sandwich for lunch - and pecan pie for dinner. I drink raw milk & eat whole wheat bread, and pop-tarts and Krystals. I know better, but I do it anyway. I guess I get discouraged: "What the heck, it doesn't matter anyway..." Well, I can improve from here.
I'm not exercising like I should either. This one's a little harder. Randy works out every afternoon - because he knows I'm going home to cook dinner & see about the kids. I'm glad I can make it easier for him, but I don't really know how to fit it in for myself. Going to the Y before work's not an option. The kids have to be at school at 7:30. I have to be at work shortly thereafter. We live 13 miles from the Y, which is near where I work & not far from Randy's work. The kids' school is eight miles in the opposite direction. With gas so high (& I just hate wearing out a car before it's paid for), I try to avoid making two trips to "town." If I go before taking them to school, I'd have to make two trips. If they ride the bus, I have to be here at 6:30 to see that they get on. If I leave after that, I won't make it to the Y in time to work out, shower, and eat before work. After work, it's not much of an option either. I don't like for the kids to be home by themselves. I could take the kids - another trip - but Derek doesn't like the kids' room at the Y & he's too young for the machines, and Rachel's not into the Y. That's a long story there - basically, I just want to keep her away from a certain person who frequents the Y. That pretty much leaves Saturdays & maybe Sundays, if I don't go spend time with my mom & grandparents. And then I have to consider what else I need to do while I'm "in town." If I have to take the kids anywhere, I have to decide whether it's worth two trips.
I do live on a pretty nice circle for walking, and I have a fat dog who needs the exercise about as badly as I do. So, I'm going to try again to MAKE MYSELF do that walk every morning. The dog would love it, & I know it would be good for me too. It may mean a little less computer time in the AM, & it might mean a little earlier wake up time, but I have to do it. It's now or never. (Had to throw in a little Elvis - today's his birthday. It's also the birthday of a high school friend of mine, Jeff Mohon. If you're reading this, Jeff, hope you had a good one.)
On that note I think I'll get up & get ready for bed. Maybe I can get up early enough to drag myself out of bed early in the morning.
I said I wanted to be part of the solution. I meant learning how to stop the epidemic of diabetes. He & Rachel thought it sounded pretentious. I guess it did. I told them that I just want to learn more about diabetes & how to control it so I can share that information with others. The boy thinks I'm off the deep end. This from the child who thinks ice cream with chocolate syrup is a fine snack. Or meal. I told him he's lucky I still let him eat ice cream & watch our old-fashioned TV.
Earlier in the day, as I prayed for guidance I realized that while I talk a good talk, I am not eating what I need. I ate grilled chicken and green peas for lunch - and peach cobbler. Yesterday I ate chili & a sandwich for lunch - and pecan pie for dinner. I drink raw milk & eat whole wheat bread, and pop-tarts and Krystals. I know better, but I do it anyway. I guess I get discouraged: "What the heck, it doesn't matter anyway..." Well, I can improve from here.
I'm not exercising like I should either. This one's a little harder. Randy works out every afternoon - because he knows I'm going home to cook dinner & see about the kids. I'm glad I can make it easier for him, but I don't really know how to fit it in for myself. Going to the Y before work's not an option. The kids have to be at school at 7:30. I have to be at work shortly thereafter. We live 13 miles from the Y, which is near where I work & not far from Randy's work. The kids' school is eight miles in the opposite direction. With gas so high (& I just hate wearing out a car before it's paid for), I try to avoid making two trips to "town." If I go before taking them to school, I'd have to make two trips. If they ride the bus, I have to be here at 6:30 to see that they get on. If I leave after that, I won't make it to the Y in time to work out, shower, and eat before work. After work, it's not much of an option either. I don't like for the kids to be home by themselves. I could take the kids - another trip - but Derek doesn't like the kids' room at the Y & he's too young for the machines, and Rachel's not into the Y. That's a long story there - basically, I just want to keep her away from a certain person who frequents the Y. That pretty much leaves Saturdays & maybe Sundays, if I don't go spend time with my mom & grandparents. And then I have to consider what else I need to do while I'm "in town." If I have to take the kids anywhere, I have to decide whether it's worth two trips.
I do live on a pretty nice circle for walking, and I have a fat dog who needs the exercise about as badly as I do. So, I'm going to try again to MAKE MYSELF do that walk every morning. The dog would love it, & I know it would be good for me too. It may mean a little less computer time in the AM, & it might mean a little earlier wake up time, but I have to do it. It's now or never. (Had to throw in a little Elvis - today's his birthday. It's also the birthday of a high school friend of mine, Jeff Mohon. If you're reading this, Jeff, hope you had a good one.)
On that note I think I'll get up & get ready for bed. Maybe I can get up early enough to drag myself out of bed early in the morning.
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